 |
| International property locations |
by Tina Andlaw
According to Barclays Bank research, the number of Britons owning property abroad is set to double to 4.4 million during the next decade. This is an impressive figure and reflects the exciting new international trend for overseas property investment.
The recent poor performance of Stock Market investments along with a lack of satisfactory pension funds has brought about the need for people to find an alternative arena in which to invest their money. International property is currently supplying a much needed demand: buyers are finding bargains within growing economies worldwide, enjoying their properties as holiday homes or renting them out, while watching their money grow far beyond their expectations. At last, carefully chosen property abroad is giving buyers the opportunity to gain worthwhile returns on their investments.
Spain, particularly Andalucia, has long been a firm favourite as a foreign holiday, second home and retirement destination. The warm climate, great lifestyle, low cost of living and proximity to other European countries have made Andalucia one of the most sought after property locations over the years, fulfilling many peoples’ dreams of a relaxed, healthy lifestyle in the Spanish sunshine. Spain offers this “dream”, along with a stable economic climate in which to invest in property.
 |
| International property, poolside living. |
However, today the new vogue for international property purchase further a field is turning many new destinations into playgrounds for travelers and re-settlers the world over, all seeking to improve their lifestyles and bank balances through property purchase overseas. Prices in the UK continue to be out of reach for many people, particularly most under 30s. Over the years, places like Andalucia have proved to be the ideal choice for those wanting to take a first step onto the property ladder but can ill afford to do so back home. Meanwhile other so-called emerging markets have recently attracted the attention of discerning international property purchasers, and many countries are now offering lower prices than in Spain, with fantastic growth figures and promising economic futures. Often these countries are recent or imminent members of the European Union and have also stepped up economic policies to encourage foreign investment and economic growth. They are investing heavily into their infrastructures and tourist amenities, encouraging outstanding property investment opportunities in a growing market, much like what was experienced in Spain some 20 years ago.
Wise purchasers are achieving high returns from property investment in growing tourist hotspots, often golf, seaside or ski resorts, that are easily accessed through increased and highly competitive budget airline services to provincial airports. The choice is endless and highly enticing - from luxury beachfront villas or apartments in Morocco, Brazil, The Dominican Republic, Malaysia or Thailand, to ski resorts in Bulgaria or Italy, or vineyards in France to city properties in Bulgaria, Hungary or Turkey to name but a few. Accessibility and increased investment in tourism are having a direct impact on property markets the world over. Outstanding new opportunities and experiences are ready to be snapped up by discerning investors and homebuyers, looking to benefit from early entry into emerging property markets.
Spain is by no means dead as a property location, but with the birth of other international property investment opportunities, many real estate agents have stretched their horizons to the vast arena of the entire world, offering today’s highly temping lifestyle and investment opportunities.
Back to top
|
